Chicago Bears' running back Kevin Jones out for season

3rd-year back Garrett Wolfe could get chance to show talent

Kevin Jones had hoped for the best-case scenario after an MRI on Friday morning. Instead, the Bears running back found himself back on the road to recovery.

Jones, who suffered two major injuries in four years with the Lions, is out for the season after tearing ligaments in his left ankle Thursday night. He landed awkwardly on a first-quarter run against the Browns and had to be carted off Soldier Field.

Jones' injury means the Bears might turn to Garrett Wolfe or Adrian Peterson as the primary backup to starter Matt Forte. The Bears were counting on Jones to give Forte some rest after Forte accumulated 1,715 yards on 379 touches as a rookie.

The Bears re-signed Jones, 27, to a two-year, $3.5 million deal in the off-season after he tested the free agent market, nearly signing with the Bills.

The 6-foot, 225-pound Jones slimmed down and looked ready to contribute during training camp but struggled a bit in the four exhibitions. He started two of those games as Forte rested -- including Thursday's 26-23 victory over Cleveland -- and managed 77 rushing yards on 24 carries in exhibition play.

On the Bears' second series Thursday, Jones sprinted outside for 6 yards, then attempted to jump near the sideline to avoid a tackle. Browns cornerback Coye Francies pushed Jones and made him lose his balance, causing the awkward landing.

Jones, who rushed for 1,133 yards as a rookie with the Lions in 2004, managed just 109 yards on 34 carries in his first season with the Bears a year ago as he continued to recover from an ACL tear.

He suffered a Lisfranc foot injury in 2006.

With Jones scheduled to have surgery next week and headed to injured reserve, the Bears have to decide whether to pursue another running back after final cuts are made Saturday. Teams must have rosters set at 53 by 5 p.m.

Wolfe, a Northern Illinois and Holy Cross High product, hasn't been given the opportunities in his first two seasons, with just 154 rushing yards on 46 carries. Yet he proved his value with strong play on special teams, leading the team with 21 tackles last season. He was considered to be a third-down back, but Jones' injury could alter the way the Bears' utilize Wolfe's speed and elusiveness.